next story

Want to know exactly how to get the most bang for your buck on your summer wardrobe? I asked 14 designers, models, and major tastemakers to name their must-have item for the coming months. The result is a short and sweet list of what you need in your closet right now--nothing more, nothing less.

The officials start of summer is just days away, and with it comes sandals and sun dresses and the lighter side of getting dressed. Here are your absolute essentials for the steamy weeks ahead. Shop your closet or click to buy exactly what these experts are prescribing:

Tory Burch: "A straw hat, like a fedora. We have a one that we can barely keep in stock!"Phillip Lim: "A nice pair of tailored shorts that you can dress up or down." Doutzen Kroes, supermodel: "You will always, always need the perfect Little Black Dress."Whitney Port: "A great bikini! I'm definitely a two-piece girl. I have tons." Yigal Azrouel: "A very light leather jacket, like a nice washed leather. You can throw it over a dress, shorts, whatever." Tamara Mellon, founder & president of Jimmy Choo: "I'd say a flat gladiator sandal is still the must-have for summer." Alexander Wang: "A really loose-fitting, worn-in T-shirt." John Whitledge, designer of Trovata: "I always love a tunic for the beach. You can put a belt on it, add some jewelry, and go straight to dinner." Rachel Zoe: "Oooh, I can only pick one thing!? Okay, a pair of platform wedges with like, a great Woodstock vibe." Erin Fetherston: "Everyone needs a nice, tailored jacket--a fitted little blazer that goes over anything." Zac Posen: "Enamel bangle bracelets. And anything with fringe! It just creates movement and movement is sexy." Agyness Deyn: "A little printed floral dress."Richard Chai: "Confidence!"Lisa Mayock & Sophie Buhai, designers of Vena Cava: (Lisa): "Deodorant! But like, really nice deodorant. From Hermes." (Sophie): "Anything hemp. Haha are we opposites or what? This is why we make such a good design team."

Shop the summer essentials now:

Time to get shopping, girls! How many of these items do you already own? Are they your summer staples, too? Which ones are you in the market for? Discuss!